Your Ticket Through the I-5 Cone Zone

Those frustrated by the congestion and construction along the Santa Ana Freeway can find answers and maybe some hope by checking out two interactive video informational kiosks in Garden Grove.

The kiosks--one at the Orange County Transportation Authority’s bus base and the other in the lobby of the Hampton Inn and Suites hotel on Harbor Boulevard--are part of Caltrans and the authority’s joint effort to inform the public about progress and benefits that will come with the I-5 North Improvement Project.

The touch-screen video kiosks are at high-profile locations in the construction zone, said a spokesman for the authority.

The $1.1-billion freeway expansion project, under development since 1988, is primarily funded by the Measure M half-cent sales tax approved by county voters in 1990.

The project’s final phase, the 9.5-mile stretch between the Orange Crush interchange and Beach Boulevard, is expected to be completed this year.

Besides expanding traffic lanes from six to eight, the project includes carpool lanes with interchange ramps, 11 new overpasses and four new underpasses.

The kiosks also provide information about alternative forms of transportation: Metrolink trains, busses and carpools. There is also information for parents about keeping their children safe near construction sites.

The kiosk at the Hampton Inn and Suites will be moved Jan. 12, officials said.

Chris Ceballos can be reached at (714) 966-7440.